When visitors ask me about Shun'Diin Canyon Tours, I often find myself sharing not just about our business, but about our deep connection to this sacred land. I'm Amelia Littleman, and our story begins long before Page, Arizona appeared on any map – back when my grandparents lived as our ancestors had for generations.
Life in the Shadow of Glen Canyon
My grandfather, Charlie Young Sr., and my grandmothers, Polly Young and Sally Young, were the foundation of our family. We lived in a traditional hogan, where the teachings of our Navajo culture were as much a part of daily life as the rising sun. While Page was establishing itself as a new town in 1957, our family maintained our traditional way of life, teaching us that our connection to the land was sacred and that our identity was woven into the very fabric of these canyons, mesas, and rivers.
In our hogan, we learned more than just how to live – we learned who we were as Diné (Navajo) people. My grandparents were the keepers of our traditions, teaching us responsibility, respect for the land, and the importance of maintaining our cultural values even as the world around us changed rapidly.
From Hogans to Highways: Adapting to a Changing Landscape
Life followed the natural rhythms of the land back then. The boys in our family were responsible for the cattle and horses, while us girls took care of the sheep and goats. We moved with the seasons, traveling from Antelope Point to Horseshoe Mesa, always searching for water and vegetation for our livestock. We knew every contour of this land intimately – each mesa, each canyon, each waterhole had its story and significance.
When the Glen Canyon Dam was built and Lake Powell began to fill, we watched our landscape transform. The waters that created Lake Powell brought both opportunity and challenge. Roads appeared where there had once been only trails, and the quiet solitude of our traditional lands began to echo with the sounds of progress.
My grandmother Polly shared wisdom that still guides us today: "Learn both ways," she would say. "Learn the white man's way, but don't forget who you are and where you come from." These words became our compass as we navigated between our traditional world and the modern one that was rapidly growing around us.
Even as we adapted to these changes, we held firmly to our core values. We still blessed the land before entering the canyons. We still taught our children the importance of respecting the earth and all its creatures. And most importantly, we maintained our deep spiritual connection to these sacred spaces that would later become known to the world through Shun'Diin Canyon Tours.
Today, when you join us for a tour, you're not just visiting a scenic wonder – you're stepping into a living history that spans generations. Our family's journey from traditional life to sharing these canyons with visitors from around the world is a testament to the resilience of our people and our ability to adapt while staying true to who we are.
Join us as we share not just the stunning beauty of our canyons, but the rich cultural heritage that makes this place truly special. At Shun'Diin Canyon Tours, every visit is an opportunity to experience this sacred landscape through the eyes of those who have called it home for generations.